Gut Reaction: Broncos draft Montee Ball with pick #58

Willis McGahee said it was coming--the Broncos drafting another running back to come in and take his job.

It happened a little earlier than most expected, but McGahee is going to have to fend off the NCAA's all-time leader in rushing TDs, Wisconsin's Montee Ball.

Ball doesn't blow me away--he's not as electric as most NFL running backs. However, he's a solid runner. He's quicker than he is fast; further, he's got a nice little jump cut and instincts for daylight. Clearly, the guy has a feel for the end zone. Of course, a lot of guys could find the end zone running behind Wisconsin's huge line.

Ball comes with a lot of wear on the tires. He plugged away so often in college, one wonders if he's got much left in the tank, even at the age of 22. During his last two seasons at Wisconsin, Ball has averaged 332 carries.

Here's some tape of Ball from last year against Ohio State:

The tape is honestly hard to grade, because Ball is rarely touched until he's well past the line of scrimmage. Again, this is what happens when you have a huge line. Still, check out the tape at the 3:09 mark if you're wondering why the Broncos drafted him. See the jump cut? That, my friends, is a thing of beauty.

Mike Mayock brought up exactly that point in Ball's defense. Under Peyton Manning, he's not going to be doing much more than jump cutting on zone stretch plays, and chunking off four yards per carry.

This, he can do. If he learns to pass block and pass catch in Denver's offense, he's going to stay on the field as the Broncos play more hurry up.

What does this mean for Willis McGahee, Ronnie Hillman, and Knowshon Moreno? McGahee isn't getting any younger, Hillman isn't getting any bulkier, and Moreno, well, he's probably not getting any better.

Lance Ball? He just happens to share the same last name. You know what's happening with him.

I don't quite see TD when I look at his game, but that *is* a sweet little jump cut. Good for him and congrats on making his favorite team!

Posted by broncosmontana on 2013-04-27 06:20:47

My observations were that he was looking worn down compared to the previous year. Some can take the carries, some can't. From what I saw I am not sure he has been taking them well. Hope I am wrong.

Posted by Steve Williams on 2013-04-27 05:23:15

The common thread among Denver's picks since Elway took over is that they are all character-type guys. I thought Lacy was overrated, but didn't think he'd fall this far... Ball seems like he's more ready to be a 3 down back. The sports science thing o n him was awesome.

Posted by Rick S. on 2013-04-27 04:06:52

got to remember that Smith was rarely tackled at the LOS those Clydesdales he had in front of him kept most of the damage to a minimum..

I have ALWAYS said you win or lose at the LOS with teh BIGGIE guys ..

Posted by Lonestar47 on 2013-04-27 02:22:02

I doubt he will ever be another TD, but it also looks like most of the guys tackling him were smaller than he was.. not many really big guys (DL) hitting him head on.. those are the ones that take a toll.. Getting drug down from behind are less damage to the body..

Posted by Lonestar47 on 2013-04-27 02:19:38

I was hoping for a guy that was 6'1" and 240 looks like I got a guy about the same size in running style..

A lot like Kevin Faulk.. not going to break it to the house but a guy that can score and get a tough few yards when we need it..

Posted by Lonestar47 on 2013-04-27 02:16:39

Emmitt Smith had 756 touches @ Florida (plus over 1000 carries in high school) and was still fresh enough to chip in another 4924 touches in the NFL. I'll settle for half that many from Money Ball. :~)

Posted by Yahmule on 2013-04-27 00:31:36

Yeah Brett Sills @Yahmule after looking back at college numbers of better backs, there have been plenty who were used heavily in school but still enjoyed lengthy and successful NFL careers. It's now less of a concern for me than it was a couple of hours ago.

Posted by Douglas Lee on 2013-04-26 23:52:51

Agreed that durability is key, and so are patience and vision. 2 fumbles in 924 touches works as well. I'm also calming myself by remembering that Terrell Davis ran a 4.72 40.

Posted by Kell_C on 2013-04-26 23:39:05

@ 4:20 he's met in the backfield and he plows right through the unblocked defender.

Posted by Yahmule on 2013-04-26 23:30:02

It's not like you draft a running back expecting him to play for ten years. He isn't likely to have that kind of workload in Denver and if he does, it will because he's a stud. Durability is a skill and he shouldn't be downgraded for being dependable throughout his career.

Posted by Yahmule on 2013-04-26 22:47:30

I've heard that about him.

He sure seemed to care when they called his name this evening. :~)

Posted by Yahmule on 2013-04-26 22:43:56

I should be wary of this pick but I kind of like it. Agree it's a bit of a worry that he may have been used too much, but in general I like his durability and pass-catching ability, too. I think he doesn't have to be The Guy in Denver anyway (as RBs go that is), they can still share carries with whoever else is still around--Hillman and KnowMo most likely. I've liked him in college even tho as you say Badgers always have a primo OL. But I think he's very solid and safe and probably a smarter--or safer-- pick than Lacy.

Posted by underdog on 2013-04-26 22:40:52

Im not sure when volume started to become a concern for college backs, but guys like Tomlinson among many others were run into the ground in college and were NFL studs. Not concerned about his workload at all.

Posted by Brett Sills on 2013-04-26 22:38:08

McGahee seems like the only tough yds runner. Moreno and Ball seem like same player.

Posted by Orange_and_Blue on 2013-04-26 22:06:32

Based on age, I'd say McGahee is more likely to be cut.

Posted by RSH, Esq. on 2013-04-26 21:58:12

based on the pick I would think Moreno is more likely to get cut now than McGahee.

Posted by Orange_and_Blue on 2013-04-26 21:57:14

he looks a lot like Moreno. Not thrilled with this pick

Posted by BRASO on 2013-04-26 21:48:43

Money Badger don't care.

Posted by broncosmontana on 2013-04-26 21:43:37

At first I was disappointed with this pick. Maybe the guys they wanted such as Arthur Brown, Swearington or Amerson did not drop to them? Then I remembered how our running game went south against the Ravens after Knowshon went down. Maybe they wanted another guy who could carry the load. The jump cut move is a thing of beauty.I think that TD ran a 4.66 if I remember correctly - but his foot speed was fast when he was carrying the ball thru traffic.Thanks, TJ.